The former Middlesbrough and Birmingham full-back Emilio Nsue scored a hat-trick as Equatorial Guinea beat Guinea Bissau 4-2 in the 2023 Africa Cup.
The 34-year-old Nsue who captained his national side as well as leading the attack, hit the first treble at an AFCOn since 2008.
The Elephants win over Guinea Bissau gave them four points from their first two matches in Group A following Sunday’s surprise 1-1 draw with Nigeria.
The opening goal arrived in the 21st minute following a poor clearance by Guinea-Bissau’s goalkeeper Ouparine Djoco. Pablo Ganet lifted the ball over the back-line into the path of Nsue, who charged through on goal and slotted his finish past Djoco.
Guinea-Bissau, beaten by hosts Ivory Coast in their opening match, equalised after 37 minutes when Mauro Rodrigues sent a low cross into the box and defender Esteban turned the ball into his own net.
In a scintillating moments, Guinea-Bissau were awarded a penalty after Saul Coco appeared to bring down Franculino Dju in the area, but the decision was overturned by VAR.
Instead another mistake at the start of the second half gifted Equatorial Guinea the lead again. Sori Mané failed to deal with a long ball and Josete Miranda was able to race clear and fire home.
That advantage was extended in the 51st minute when Djoco missed Basilio Ndong’s cross and Nsue finished at the far post.
Nsue, who had played more than 100 games in the Championship between 2014 and 2018, completed his treble on the hour after rounding Djoco. The goal was initially ruled out by an offside flag, but after an anxious wait was eventually given by VAR.
This has made Nsue to become the first player to achieve the feat since Morocco’s Soufiane Alloudi 16 years ago and joined an illustrious list of Afcon hat-trick heroes including Samuel Eto’o, Hossam Hassan and Benni McCarthy.
Ze Turbo pulled another back for Guinea-Bissau on the stroke of full-time
In the later games, Nigeria beat Ivory Coast 1-0 , before Egypt face Ghana.
Nigerian center-back, William Troost-Ekong scored from the penalty spot at 55th minute after Victor Osihmen was fouled.
